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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1173-E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING ALISON CUNNINGHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COLUMBUS HOUSE
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to
join friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders who have
gathered today to celebrate Alison Cunningham as she bids farewell to
Columbus House, the organization she has fearlessly and adeptly led for
more than two decades.
There is no one reason why an individual becomes homeless and so
there is no one solution that will end it. More than three decades ago
a group of folks concerned with the plight of the homeless came
together and began what has become one of the strongest, most respected
advocacy organizations for the homeless in our state. For most of its
existence, the mission of Columbus House has been guided by Alison
Cunningham, whose unparalleled passion to make a difference is
reflected in every success they enjoy. Alison's commitment is nothing
short of inspiring and it has encouraged hundreds of supporters to
volunteer their time and energy to support this extraordinary
organization.
Under Alison's direction, Columbus House has continued to grow and
expand to meet the ever-changing needs of our homeless population.
Today, the small staff of ninety come from all walks of life--many are
former clients themselves which provides them a unique perspective not
only from which to provide services, but also to direct the
organization's efforts. Columbus House also partners with a variety of
local service agencies with the goal of ensuring that all of their
clients receive access to every possible opportunity to transition from
homelessness. With facilities in New Haven and Middletown and a
presence in Waterbury, New Britain and elsewhere, programs and services
that range from shelter and meal service to employment, recovery, and
case management, Columbus House has touched the lives of hundreds of
our most vulnerable citizens. Columbus House is a community effort in
every sense of the word, and it is because of the strong leadership and
vision that Alison has provided. I have been proud to work with her
during my tenure in Congress and consider myself fortunate to call her
my friend.
Over the course of her career, Alison has grown into a respected
leader in her field with her expertise often be sought out by
neighboring communities as well as elected leaders. In fact, over the
last several years, she has been a member of the task force that
directed a state-wide change to a successful approach to ending chronic
homelessness, which combines providing permanent housing with the
necessary social services on site for clients. To say her everyday
presence at Columbus House will be missed is an understatement,
however, I have no doubt that, though she is pursuing a new
opportunity, Alison will remain a staunch and active supporter of
Columbus House and the people they serve.
Though I will miss her leadership at Columbus House, I was excited to
learn that Alison will be taking on a new and unique role at the Yale
Divinity School where she will help guide students there interested in
the kind of nonprofit work to which she has dedicated her
[[Page E1174]]
professional life. Her students will be learning from one of the best
and that can only benefit those non-profits that they will eventually
lead.
It is my great honor to stand today to extend my deepest thanks and
appreciation to Alison Cunningham for the visionary leadership and
tireless advocacy she has brought to Columbus House, the City of New
Haven and the State of Connecticut. I wish her all the best in this new
endeavor and have no doubt that it will be a great success.
____________________
